It’s almost time… You know what I’m talking about – that moment when the ankle booties you pranced around in all winter suddenly go from cute and flirty, to clunky and just too much for the spring sunshine. With each passing day, we are one step closer to my favorite season for shoes (spring!). It feels so easy and hopeful after the long months of winter when inclement weather plays such a huge role in our fashion choices. Both the good and the bad. Like the time I decided to pretend it was a mind-over-matter situation and wore my calfskin leopard print heels out in a blizzard. By the end of the night, my husband had to boost me over a snowbank to get to our car because I was not ruining my shoes under any circumstances. Not ideal… But, I digress.
While there are several spring shoe styles that always seem to make the top lists each year, there are a few that feel like a fun change-up this go around. So move over, Birkenstocks, let’s see what’s up for this 2019 Spring Season. Here’s the lineup.
THE WEDGE: The wedge seems to be the style that polarizes the sartorially minded the world over. Some people love it. Some people hate it. And some people love to pretend to hate it while secretly hoarding twelve versions of the style in the back of their closets. This year though, designers seem to be attempting to take back the wedge, with their newest iterations of this classic spring shoe. They are changing up the textures, details and heel heights. If you can find one with a PVC element, pastel in color and a heel around 3”, you’ve struck shoe gold. And then there are some brands, like Free People, who have stayed true to form with their wooden heel, woven strap version of the wedge for the Bohemian in all of us.
Urban Outfitters | Target | Free People | Maryam Nassir Zadeh
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THE FLIPFLOP: Traditionally, fashion insiders have considered the flipflop a lazy look for people who aren’t trying too hard. And while there have been various designers over the years who have put a concerted effort towards elevating the flipflop’s reputation from the requisite beach shoe to something for a dinner date (remember these?), for years it has stayed firmly in the background of spring trends. That is, until Isabel Marant and Tibi put them smack into the middle of their runway shows for this spring season, paired with everything from business suits to ballgowns. Suddenly, we seem to have permission to pair our favorite pair of Rainbows with just about anything in our closet and call it runway.
Target | Seychelles | Havaianas | Rainbow | Rebecca Minkoff
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THE MULE: There are so many times during the warmer months when a pedicure has not made the top of the priority list, and showing our toes is simply not an option. Or is that just me? Either way, that’s when we thank the heavens for mules. Granted, it’s been said the mule is the mullet of the shoe world in that it is all business up front and a party in the back with its open form. But I personally appreciate how polished and sophisticated a mule can look, while still being seasonally appropriate. This spring, the trend lends itself to unexpected textures and patterns, which seems to be bringing new life to a faithful style. My current favorites include a classic men’s loafer inspired shape with bright colors or patterns, or a woven leather version in a solid color. The mule is such a good option to take you from day to night when you’re not feeling your high heels.
Target | Loeffler Randall | Zara | Madewell | Gucci
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THE WOVEN SANDAL: The Espadrille, or woven sandal, is a style that seems to make spring trend lists year over year, and for good reason. First seen in the 14th century, this style has been worn – quite literally – for centuries. Did it start as a shoe for peasants? Sure. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still love it for the unequivocal way it screams “spring!”. Thankfully, recent years have rubberized the sole of most woven sandals, while getting creative with the silhouettes. That said there is something practically perfect about a classic flat canvas Espadrille sandal. Find a pair with a canvas stripe and en pointe laces, and you are all set for a spring day of errands that transition to an evening of rooftop drinks with your best friends.
Soludos | Target | Anthropologie | Vans
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THE RE-IMAGINED BALLET FLAT: Oh, ballet flats. I remember not too long ago when the travel ballet flat became a cultural phenomenon for the working woman. They were simply constructed, round toe flats in solid black or gray (and sometimes metallic, if you could snag a pair before they sold out) that rolled into a small carrying bag that fits into your purse or work bag. It felt like a revolution when I first came across them during my commute one day in NYC. Never again did I have to pair my running shoes with my all black skirt suit ensemble for the subway ride downtown. (A story of daily fashion nightmares for another day.) Now though, ballet flats seem to be all over the fashion landscape. This spring, the focus is on the re-imagination of this faithful shoe. Gone are the days of a classic and plain style. Instead, we are finding them with buckles, ribbons and grommets. The shape has also transitioned. You can now find them in a shoemaker style, peep toe, pointed toe… the list goes on. Bottom-line though, the more unique and visually arresting the better. No longer are they resigned to the background of your outfit. Instead, they make their own statement.
Free People | Target | All Black | Stella McCartney | Valentino
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The TOE-LOOP SANDAL: The toe-loop sandal is a total flashback to the ’90s with its retro appeal. With an actual loop for your big toe, this style adds a bit of visual interest in an unexpected way. Think of it as jewelry for your feet without having to wear an actual toe ring or an ankle bracelet. Unless that’s your style, then think of it as an accessory for your accessory. Find a version with lots of straps, a square toe and a block heel. It’ll be near perfect for spring 2019. In fact, I see the resurgence of this style as proof that I’ve always been cool. This was My Shoe for the spring and summer of 1998. How about you?
Urban Outfitters | Target | Anthropologie
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SNEAKERS: Mothers all over the world released a collective sigh of relief last year when the comfortable sneaker trend began making headway outside of the major fashion cities. We all seemed to do a double take when we realized it was not a joke. Yes, we can pair our various sneakers with everything from athleisure, to a business suit, to a dress. Socks optional. And while the fashion savvy might be getting over the whole chunky dad sneaker, that doesn’t mean sneakers are not still reigning supreme as a whole. Spring styles are simply diversifying from metallics to light and sweet pastels, to Velcro. Let’s all hope this trend is here to stay.
Shop Buru | Adidas | Steve Madden | Nike | Golden Goose
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TEVAS: Yes, Tevas. I admit I didn’t believe it until I saw them on the runway for Anna Sui for spring 2019. But this classic sandal from many of our childhoods is making a comeback in a very on-trend way. Teva said it best, “…born on the river, worn on the runway…,” after completing their multi-brand collaborations for spring fashion week. The trick here is to outfit the sandal with a dressier look to balance out the overall effect. Because apparently, Tevas are here to stay. For a little while at least. And yes, I am currently taking back all of the times I made fun of my husband for sporting them on his family camping trips. Apparently, he was ahead of his time and we should start taking Tevas more seriously.
Urban Outfitters | Zara | Chaco | Marc Jacobs
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FLATFORM SANDALS: Flatform sandals are like the sister of platform heels but without the discomfort. They have a mostly – if not totally – horizontal, thick sole that gives you added height in a comfortable way. Definitely a perk when toting your kids around on hot summer days. I mean, I don’t know about you, but I still remember Britney Spears becoming every fashionable mother’s cautionary tale when she nearly dropped her baby while walking in a pair of heeled sandals while surrounded by a pack of paparazzi. Oh, Britney, I feel you, girl… Enter the flatform sandal. And while being on the casual side, they pair well with most summer daytime looks. Add in an unexpectedly bright color or buckle detail and you’re all set.
Shop Buru | Urban Outfitters | Qupid | Free People | Marc Fisher
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So tell me… what are your favorite spring styles? As shoes are my decided love language, I’m always eager to hear about your favorites!
The shoes that always make me smile…
